People
Brandon Chalifoux, Assistant Professor
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2021/09/ChalifouxBrandon-24Aug2020_thumbnail-e1632360692898-229x300.jpg)
I started at the University of Arizona in August 2020. Prior to joining the College of Optical Sciences, I completed my Ph.D. and Postdoctoral training at MIT in the Space Nanotechnology Laboratory. I completed a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Rice Unviersity. Aside from research and teaching, I enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, and trying to avoid the cholla during both.
Graduate students
Kevin Laverty, PhD student (Optical Sciences)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2021/10/KevinLavertyBioPhoto-498x1024.jpg)
I began my PhD at the College of Optical Sciences in 2020.
Brody McElwain, PhD student (Optical Sciences)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/05/McElwain-Brody-08-22-landscape-edit-1-1024x768.jpg)
I graduated from Penn State with a B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics in 2022. I started my PhD in Optical Sciences at UofA in 2022. My research involves using USP and Bessel beam optics to fabricate spacers used to align x-ray mirrors. In my spare time I enjoy climbing, live music, and going to the movies.
Caroline Humphreys, MS student (Optical Sciences)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/05/Caroline-Humphreys-Photo-1024x854.jpg)
I graduated with a B.S. in Optical Sciences and Engineering in 2023. I started my M.S. degree in Fall 2022 in Optical Sciences through the Accelerated Master’s program. I am working on exploring the relationship between the polarization angle with respect to the writing direction in ultrafast laser stress figuring. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, hiking, and trying new Tucson restaurants.
Josh Richards, MS student (Mechanical Engineering)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/09/IMG_4355-1-271x300.jpg)
I graduated from U of A with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2022 and am currently a Mechanical Engineering M.S. student. My research is focused on laser stress figuring and opto-mechanical support for the group. In my free time I enjoy camping, rock climbing, cycling, board games, and movies.
Undergraduate students
Carolyn Hokin (Optical Engineering)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/05/Carolyn-Hokin-Photo-Not-Wildcat-1-751x1024.jpg)
Yongxin “Kongo” Lai (Optical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering)
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/05/KongoLai.jpg)
Tyler Wilson (Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering)
Research staff
Ian Arnold, Research Engineer
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2021/10/IanPhoto-768x1024.jpg)
I have been a Research Engineer at the University of Arizona since 2018. Prior to that I completed a M.S degree in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona working with ultrafast attosecond spectroscopy. I also received a M.S. and B.S. degrees in physics from the University of Nevada, Reno where I built atmospheric instrumentation. I am a very hands-on person who enjoys building things.
Nathan Martinez, Administrative Associate
Alumni
Hayden Wisniewski, PhD Optical Sciences 2023
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2021/10/headshot2v2-930x1024.jpg)
Dissertation: Surface Metrology Methods for X-ray Telescope Mirrors, Freeforms, and Heliostats
Alex St. Peter, M.S. Optical Sciences 2023
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/01/alex-profile-pic-dec2021-1-731x1024.jpg)
Thesis: Estimation of ultrafast laser-induced stress in fused silica from evaluation of stress birefringence
Alyssa Baller, M.S. Optical Sciences 2022
![](https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/chalifoux/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/01/Alyssa_headshot-683x1024.jpg)
Report: Systematic evaluation of the OSIRIS-REx PolyCam